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墨書 Inktalez
After being granted permission to leave, Yang Su's son, Yang Xuangan, was appointed as the Provincial Governor of Song, overseeing seven counties in Songzhou. While this was not an insignificant position, it was still somewhat ordinary for the Legitimate Eldest Son of the current Minister of Rites.
Not long after, Yang Su's brother, Yang Yue, was replaced in his position as Minister of Internal Affairs by the Emperor's brother-in-law, Duke of Ju, Xiao Cong, who was also granted the title of Liang Guo Gong, indicating a high level of trust from the Emperor.
Such joyous news prompted Li Jian Cheng to pay a visit to offer his congratulations. However, before he could enter the door, he was stopped by Xiao Zang, the Founding Marquis of Taokiu County. "Jian Cheng, you're just in time. Come over and help me keep an eye on things."
Li Jian Cheng smiled and walked over, greeting several members of the Xiao family before joining the ranks of their sons-in-law. After exchanging a few light-hearted remarks, everyone got busy. When familiar faces appeared, they would step forward to help with introductions and receptions; this was also a time for noble families to showcase their connections through marriage.
As more guests arrived, Liang Guo Gong Xiao Cong personally came out to welcome the family’s sons-in-law into the house, leading them to seats at the back and thanking them for their assistance in hosting the guests.
Li Jian Cheng noticed that more representatives from the Southern Aristocracy had come compared to those from Shandong Gentry. The number from Guanlong was relatively small and mostly there due to the favor of the Emperor and Empress.
It was evident that the Emperor's promotion of the Southern Aristocracy had begun to irritate the Noble Families of Guanlong. However, it was a minor issue; with peace reigning across the land, no one dared to rebel over such matters.
After the banquet dispersed and guests began to leave, the sons-in-law were invited into the Rear Hall for discussions. Several elder Uncles from the Xiao family and legitimate offspring were present.
Inside, tea was brewed alongside Hangover Soup. A few guests with lower alcohol tolerance were already feeling drowsy. Xiao Cong changed into a different outfit and instructed everyone that although the Xiao family's influence had waned in earlier years, they were now experiencing a slight resurgence thanks to the favor of their matriarch. The clan's members should not act arrogantly.
He also assured his sons-in-law that if there were any ways in which they could assist the Xiao family, they should feel free to speak up; after all, they were not outsiders.
The current dynasty established Three Departments and Six Ministries: the Department of Internal Affairs responsible for decision-making with its head titled Minister of Internal Affairs; the Ministry of Rites responsible for deliberation with its head titled Councilor; and daily affairs managed by another Minister of Rites.
Now that Xiao Cong had been promoted to Minister of Internal Affairs and became a leading representative of the Southern Aristocracy, his power had significantly increased. He would naturally seize opportunities to elevate his own family and those connected through marriage.
It is well-known that power not utilized becomes obsolete. Just like when Li Jian Cheng was enjoying success in springtime prosperity; he arranged for his own relatives to enter officialdom and promoted connections like Dou Family and Xiao Family as well as retainers like Shen Guang and Zhang Wansui.
Those in need should not hesitate; Li Jian Cheng engaged in light conversation with several Uncles without any ulterior motives.
As time passed and it seemed appropriate to leave, everyone took their leave except for Li Jian Cheng who was retained by Xiao Cong. The others were merely sons-in-law of the Xiao family while he held a different status as his own son-in-law.
"Jian Cheng," Xiao Cong said, "I've heard about your father's situation. I will speak with His Majesty tomorrow."
Li Jian Cheng shook his head. "Thunder and Rain are both favors from His Majesty. He has only recently demoted my father; his anger may not have subsided yet. To hastily ask you to plead on my father's behalf might restore his position but could also lead to losing His Majesty's favor—wouldn't that be losing much for little?"
"You need not worry," Xiao Cong reassured him. "While his position may be diminished, my father is still a Duke of first rank from the Sui Dynasty; no one would dare treat him lightly."
Xiao Cong nodded slightly upon hearing this. "In that case, let us first seek out some rare treasures to present as offerings and regain the favor of the Emperor. I still have some heirlooms from years past; you can take them with you when you leave later."
Li Jian Cheng respectfully thanked him. Xiao Cong hinted, "You are not young anymore."
Li Jian Cheng understood the implication and smiled, "I was just thinking of finding an auspicious day to go outside the city and seek out geese and sheep."
"Haha, that sounds good."
After chatting for a while, Li Jian Cheng said, "There is something I am unsure whether I should mention."
"You and I share a close relationship; speak your mind freely."
"Your Excellency should know that I have some understanding of Yang Yue. He is cunning and rebellious by nature, and I fear he will not simply accept this situation without retaliation."
"I do not covet the position of Minister of Internal Affairs; it is just that given the current state of the Yang Family, how could they dare to defy the Emperor's will?" Xiao Cong replied, puzzled. "Yang Su has remained silent; what can Yang Yue do?"
"Yang Su does not dare to act because if he does, the Emperor will unleash his wrath upon him. However, if Yang Yue were to act similarly, the Yang Family might soon meet the same fate as the Gao Family did in the past—they would be swiftly divided and consumed."
Seeing Xiao Cong hesitate, Li Jian Cheng ceased his persuasion. Night was approaching, and with curfew soon to be enforced, he felt it inappropriate to stay at Duke Liang's Residence any longer. He took his leave.
...
On the day of Wu Shen, the Emperor issued an edict: "Listen to the praises of the people and consult them on governance suggestions; only then can we understand the successes and failures of ruling.
To engage with the common folk is a virtue of wise rulers from ancient times. The feedback from this edict indicates that many citizens hope for Lord Gao Shan to continue serving in government and assisting in state affairs.
The Emperor's reaction to the people's opinions remains unknown, but he indeed appointed Gao Shan as Grand Minister of Ceremonies, overseeing rituals and music—a position that has been the highest among the nine ministers since the Han Dynasty, ranking third in nobility.
However, after expressing his gratitude on that day, Gao Shan advised the Emperor against hastily imposing labor duties. He suggested avoiding spring planting and autumn harvests so that people could store food and avoid famine.
The Emperor rebuked him publicly for seeking fame at the expense of dishonoring the Sovereign Father. Gao Shan felt humiliated and furious but found himself powerless against the Emperor.
Yang Guang then proclaimed his ambitions to all ministers: "To drive a chariot over Xuanyuan Tang Yao, to swallow Zhou Han—so that our descendants for generations shall be beyond comparison."
In other words, he aspired to be a great emperor whose achievements surpassed those of Ji Zhou and Liu Han, such that no one in future generations would dare to rival him.
It was certainly a good thing for the Emperor to have such ambitions, and the courtiers could only bow in submission.
Thus, he commanded Minister of Rites Huangfu Yizheng to mobilize over a million people from the counties of Henan and Huai Bei to open the Tongji Canal.
Water was to be drawn from the Western Garden, Grain Water, and Luo River into the Yellow River, and then from Ban Zhu, the Yellow River would flow through Xingze into the Bian River. From east of Daliang, water from the Bian River would be diverted into the Si River and then into the Huai River.
Additionally, over a hundred thousand people from Huainan were conscripted to excavate the Han Canal from Shanyang to Yangzi, leading into the Yangtze River.
While improving water conservancy was undoubtedly beneficial for the country and its people, such reckless conscription of young men had already exceeded what the realm could bear.
As a result, officials from all corners of the court began to offer their counsel. Officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Civil Affairs preferred to resign rather than accept the edict.
Li Jian Cheng also joined in with the others' advice, only to be treated like a chicken meant to warn others, along with several elder officials, dragged out of court and beaten with the Imperial Staff.
He was still young, and those wielding the Imperial Staff had once been his friends, so they slightly lessened their blows; on the surface, his injuries appeared similar to those of the others.
Li Jian Cheng knew well that he could not dissuade Yang Guang, but failing to express concern for the country and its people would not be good either. He did not dare confront Yang Guang alone but found courage in numbers.
Fortunately, his official position was not demoted, and the courtiers discerned from the Emperor's attitude that he would never compromise on this matter. This left many officials feeling hopeless; after all, this was The First Year of Daye.
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